Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Materials Science
Jamie Binns - Talladega College
Co-Author(s): Samira Shaily and Mohammad Kamal Hossain, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Petroleum-based synthetic fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) is a composite material made of a polymer reinforced with fibers. This FRP composite has detrimental effects on the environment at the end of its life-cycle because of its nonbiodegradability. Moreover, it is produced from nonrenewable resources that are depleting. Currently, biomass derived polymer composites are receiving great attention because of their biodegradability and renewability. Great attention and focus have been placed on soy protein isolate (SPI) based resins because of their biodegradable and renewable traits. However, SPI has low mechanical and thermal properties. Nanoclay combined with glycerol and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) has been proven to improve properties of SPI resin in the study. Both neat and nanoclay-infused SPI resin samples were prepared with and without PVA to test its significance in relation to property enhancement of the SPI resin. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests demonstrated enhanced properties of the samples due to the addition of PVA as well as nanoclay in the system.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): The NSF-REU program is highly appreciated for funding this research experience. Thank Dr. Zain, REU Director, for selecting me as a participant. Special thanks and much gratitude to my faculty advisor, Dr. M. K. Hossain and my graduate mentor, Shaily, for their time, patience, and dedication to ensuring my success.
Faculty Advisor: Mohammad Kamal Hossain, hossainm@mytu.tuskegee.edu